Cat Dental Care

In order to protect your cat’s health, it’s important to know what you’re up against. These are the most common types of cat dental problems:

Periodontal disease
As the most common clinical condition occurring in adult cats, periodontal disease is unfortunately also the most serious. Studies have shown it is linked to a variety of health problems, including damage to internal organs. Luckily it’s one of the most easily preventable.

Tooth Resorption
A gradual destruction of the tooth or teeth from the outside of the tooth at the gum line leaves nerve endings exposed, which can result in significant pain. The only option in this case is to remove the affected teeth.

Feline Stomatitis
In response to bacteria found in plaque, an over-active immune system can cause a severe inflammation and ulceration of the soft tissues within a cat’s mouth. The severe pain caused by this condition can respond to medical treatment, but in most cases the affected teeth will need to be removed.

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Did You Know...

Of cats who don’t receive
early dental care have dental
disease by the time they are three

2/3

Of adult cats have some
form of periodontal disease

30%

Of cats 5 and older have had teeth extracted

Untreated gums will become inflamed, creating pockets that can harbor harmful bacteria.

Gums may bleed, the roots of your pet’s teeth may be exposed, and teeth may loosen.

Over time the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body.

Once in the bloodstream, bacteria can potentially cause liver, kidney and heart disease.

Frequency of dental extractions for cats 3 years and older1

Many pet owners think their pet’s teeth are fine because they eat and drink normally, but over two-thirds of adult pets have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a painful infection that can ultimately affect the liver, heart and kidneys through spread of infection in the body!

- John F Huff III,VCA Board Certified Dental Specialist

Take a bite out of cat dental disease with proper care

The best way to deal with dental problems is prevention! With proper home care, most dental problems are completely preventable.

One of the best prevention tools is a toothbrush. Brushing your cat’s teeth regularly can help prevent many of the most serious dental issues. And it’s easier than you think.

In addition to brushing, there are many other things you can do at home to ensure your cat’s teeth stay healthy " from dental wipes to teeth-cleaning treats.

Importance of regular cat dental checkups

Bringing your cat in for an annual checkup and cleaning is a vital part of keeping them healthy. During a checkup visit, your cat will be evaluated for any obvious periodontal disease, which includes infection or inflammation of tissues and structures surrounding the teeth. Your veterinarian will determine if a follow-up cleaning appointment is needed.

If a cleaning is required, your veterinarian will recommend anesthesia to minimize stress and discomfort and to provide the most optimal evaluation and cleaning. During this appointment, a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing will be performed and if indicated, full-mouth x-rays to detect deeper problems with the tooth roots. Your cat will be continuously monitored while under anesthesia.

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Emergency

In case of emergency, please call us immediately. If it is after hours, please call VCA McClave Animal Hospital at (818) 881-5102.

Specialty Care

As part of the VCA family, we have over 83 specialty hospitals across the US and Canada which provide referral specialty care, so there may be one near you. Enter ZIP to find VCA specialty care hospitals near you.